I Sit with Myself

Kenzye Layne Penn

Area: Sculpture

Thesis Statement

I’m interested in the ways that 6 cotton threads weave together stories and how these stories, when placed within the space of a mirror, heighten literally and metaphorically the overriding concept in my work, reflection.

I use embroidery in my work to align myself with female artists past and present, honoring this expressive tradition while interrogating my experience in the world as a female, as an artist, and as someone who struggles with mental illness. Creating embroidery acts as a form of meditation and reflection. The time spent embroidering acts as a physical manifestation of the thoughts that rapid fire though our brains creating a woven connection between the thread, our ruminations, and the action of the needle.

The practice of mindfulness utilizes methodical, concentrated breathing to calm the mind and begin to make sense of the metacognitive mess of self-criticism. I use art making to physically represent the psychological metamorphosis possible with a dedicated mindfulness practice. Rather than falling into a cycle of brutal self-criticism and fear of my own perceived appearance, I simply need to breathe.

Breathing into the feet.
Breathing into the calves.
Breathing into the thighs.
Breathing into the abdomen.
Breathing into the chest.
Breathing into the arms.
Breathing into the head.
Without judgement or attempt to change, just breathe. Just be.